New schemes for SC, STs launched

Hyderabad: Minister for Social Welfare Ravela Kishore Babu said that two new schemes ‘Chandranna Girijana Bata’ and ‘Chandranna Dalita Bata’ would be launched to provide basic road network in all the SC and ST residential colonies.

Addressing a press conference after a review meeting with the nodal officers on expenditure of SC and ST sub-plan funds, the Minister said, “Government has earmarked Rs 2,000 crore for laying concrete cement roads and approach roads in the villages and colonies of the Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes.”

“The funds would be spent in next financial year and steps would also be taken up to provide the basic amenities needed in the localities. Unlike in any other State Andhra Pradesh has been spending thousands of crores for the welfare of the SC and STs, by way of SC and ST Sub-Plan, which reflects the commitment of the government led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu,” he added.

The Minister said that the government is actively considering engage the famous ‘Dappu Kalakarulu’ to create awareness among the SC and ST population on the government initiated schemes for their welfare.

Explaining the details of the government initiatives in the upkeep of the tribal welfare hostels and educational institutions, Kishore Babu said, “It was decided to establish 177 incubator centres in the Tribal Welfare Schools across the State. This, the government hopes would facilitate the students to gain technical knowledge.”

He said that the ongoing third round of Janmabhoomi – Maa Vuru (JBMV) programme has been going well and the response of the people is more than expected. Issue of about 12 lakh ration cards, distribution of pensions, Deepam LPG connections and the like during the ongoing JBMV showcases the government’s commitment to the welfare of various sections of people in the State.